Matt Olson continues to put up solid performances for the Athletics, but he has now managed to make his way into the Oakland history books, joining some elite company.
In the bottom of the sixth inning of Monday’s 5-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners, Olson hit a solo home run off of Marco Gonzales. That was his 17th home run this season off of a left-handed pitcher, which is the most in Oakland single-season history off of southpaws. (h/t MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos)
Behind Olson is 12-time All-Star slugger Mark McGwire (16) and Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson (16).
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That's pretty legendary company to not only be around, but also to exceed.
That also was Olson’s 32nd home run of the season, fourth-most in the American League. Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has the most in the AL with 40.
Olson is slashing .278/.474/.563 this season with a .937 OPS in 120 games.
The first baseman was selected to his first All-Star team this season as a reserve and also participated in the Home Run Derby, where he put on a strong display. But he was slightly overpowered by Baltimore Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini in the first round. Still, his 23 long balls were a respectful number.
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The A’s currently are 70-56, placing them second in the AL West with the Mariners only two games behind them.
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While Olson has said what many others have in regard to the A’s being a second-half team, they still have a tough schedule ahead. They will continue a particularly difficult stretch by finishing up against the Mariners on Tuesday, then have a four-game stint against the New York Yankees at home beginning Thursday.